---
title: "What Is Cybersecurity? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, software and stored data from attack, theft and damage, including patient records kept in a..."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cybersecurity
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Compliance and risk

# Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, software and stored data from attack, theft and damage, including patient records kept in a dental office.

CISA says that for both government and private entities, developing and implementing tailored cybersecurity plans and processes is key to protecting and maintaining business operations.

A dental office holds patient records, payment data and imaging files, all of which attackers want. The American Dental Association notes that training staff on basic data security can help reduce the chances that staff fall for attacks that arrive by email and other methods.

See [ransomware](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/ransomware) for a common threat. Legal duties come from the [HIPAA Security Rule](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/hipaa-security-rule). Consider a security professional for a full review.

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [Ransomware](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/ransomware)
-   [Data breach](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/data-breach)
-   [HIPAA Security Rule](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/hipaa-security-rule)
-   [Business continuity plan](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/business-continuity-plan)

## Sources

1.  [CISA: Cybersecurity Best Practices](https://www.cisa.gov/topics/cybersecurity-best-practices)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)